1981 BMW 518 vs. 2013 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2013 Jaguar XJ is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Jaguar XJ (380 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 730 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Jaguar XJ is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Jaguar XJ will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Jaguar XJ (450 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2013 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 518 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2105 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3157 mm |
